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Do Bostonians Want a Shake Shack?

Do Bostonians Want a Shake Shack?

Photo: Shanna Ravindra

Bostonians are divided on their response to the news that an outpost of New York's Shake Shack could open here. Some Hub residents are excited, as the comments on our original news indicate. "Shake Shack would be fantastic, would instantly become one of the best inexpensive burgers in Boston. Frankly, any outpost of Union Square Hospitality Group would be a wonderful addition to the city, never mind that they're based in Manhattan" writes commenter (and Phoenix critic) MC Slim JB). On Twitter, most responses came close to the "YES YES!" from Barbara Cole. "Shake Shack is welcome in our beloved city," writes The Beantown Bloggery, who adds, "the rats though that are always in that area can stay in NYC. We have enough of those of our own."

Not everyone, however, is so happy: "Not to sound too provincial, but do we really want a N.Y. chain-wannabe on Boston Common? I tilt toward Jeff Miller’s (sic) plan, if only because it at least strives for a local flavor" writes Herald reporter Jay Fitzgerald on his personal blog (Fitzgerald also points out that the proper Bostonian name would be Frappe Shack, which is a valid point). This seems to be a point of consensus amount the Shake Shack dissenters: "No NYC chains on the Boston Common! Elsewhere ok, not there," exclaims Twitterer ShadyMilkman. Here at Grub Street Boston, we come down firmly on the side of delicious burgers, no matter what their provenance, but how do you feel? Are you on Team Shack or would patronizing a New York chain in Boston Common be tantamount to rooting for the Yankees?

Oh, and in case you were wondering about the "local flavor" of Jeffrey Mill's proposal, it includes a line of The Common House branded Boston-themed products for grocery stores. "Freedom Trail ketchup, something like that," Mills tells the New York Times.

New York Burger Stand on Boston's Seafood Turf? [New York Times]

Earlier: A Shake Shack for Boston Common?
Boston Could Have a Shake Shack by Next Summer

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10 Comments - Add yours

  • i'm from boston, and i would love to see shake shack closer to home. i'm not such a fan of the idea of shake shack on the common, however, as i'd rather have that green space preserved. i think the esplanade would be the perfect location instead, although it's a little less central than the common.

    By adriana on 12/16/2009 at 3:36 PM

  • I'm not even a burger eater - but I would LOVE to have a Shake Shake here - Danny Meyer knows how to do it right, (and he Shake Shack does have veggie burgers) - the idea that he shouldn't do it because he's not from Boston is crazy - PLEASE - bring him on!!!

    By linda Given on 11/25/2009 at 10:38 PM

  • I think it is very misleading to call Shake Shack a "chain." Big difference between a restaurant group and a chain. Boston, if you want to miss out on delicious burgers just because they are being slung by a Missourian/New Yorker, well then go ahead and enjoy your regional purity and we'll continue enjoying Danny Meyer's pure beef goodness. So silly - having pride in your city shouldn't come at the expense of benefitting from quality imports.

    By rivalries suck on 11/20/2009 at 4:57 PM

  • Absolutely ridiculous and highlights what I hate most about Boston. I lived in New York for law school and have now lived in Boston for the last 3 years. I fondly remember the Shake Shack in Madison Square Park and it is probably in the top 50 things of what I miss most about NYC. If I visit the city in the summer now, I almost always stop for a burger. PLEASE COME TO BOSTON DANNY MEYER!!! Besides, all the restaurants here suck...

    By Korova Milk Bar on 11/20/2009 at 3:22 PM

  • I love Shake Shack and would be happy to see it come to Boston !! How can someone be against another burger option? I'm so sick of the NY/Bos "rivalry" - who cares where good food comes from? I do like the idea of calling it "Frappe Shack" !

    By BBER on 11/20/2009 at 12:57 PM

  • I hope Shake Shack people are looking at this post, because forget Boston, LONDON needs Shake Shack. We need like 30 of them. Seriously. Come here, we will all worship at the ground that is shake shack. Waffle Fries represent.

    By Bea on 11/20/2009 at 12:37 PM

  • I'm a New Yorker but I lived in Boston for over a decade and I would be very surprised if Danny Meyer gets to open a Shake Shack there. I would think that Mayor Menino would reward the towny establishment like the Lyons brothers the space at the last minute to open another crappy Cheers-inspired restaurant. If by miracle Shake Shack does come to Boston, I can only imagine the provincial, anti-elite, yuppie-burger backlash from the likes of Dennis & Callahan on WEEI who will voice outrage that a NY burger could invade the turf of Buzzy's roast beef and Fudruckers in Saugus. It's Boston people! They hate and fear outsiders and change.

    By Joey on 11/20/2009 at 11:26 AM

  • As a longtime observer of the foodservice/restaurant industry in the Northeast, I think Danny Meyer is an outstanding restaurateur. A Shake Shack on Boston Common could only enhance one of America's beautiful parks and to imply that supporting it is tantamount to disloyalty is ridiculous.

    By Susan Holaday on 11/20/2009 at 8:42 AM

  • As a New Yorker who lived in Boston for a number of years, I have this to say: A Shake Shack would do incredibly well in Boston, no question there. But Boston would some how manage to ruin the experience with 5 hours lines and MASSholes punching each other in the face.

    By JaDiggsIt on 11/19/2009 at 4:32 PM

  • I think that having a Shake Shack would be a great addition to the city of Boston. It's been very popular in NYC and it could strive here since the niche has not been filled. It's very hard to get a good shake in Boston and the centralized location would make it even better! I say yes!

    By Jeremy K. on 11/19/2009 at 1:40 PM

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